Richmond, Hardin students win awards at state fair

By Sarah Davis

Richmond’s FFA Chapter won honors showing fruits, vegetables and field crops at this year’s state fair, Aug. 8-18 in Sedalia.
Projects entered was given a rating of bronze, silver or gold. Top performers in each class were rewarded with grand champion (first place) or reserve grand champion (second place) ribbons.
This year, the chapter received a 4th place in the fruits and vegetables division and a 6th place in field crops.
RHS FFA also won individual honors this year. Nolan Sickle received grand champion for his entries in the summer squash and garden flowers categories. Taylor Cox received grand champion for his entry in the blackberries category.
Colby Yoakum showed in the Open Rabbit Show Aug. 14 and won 13 blue ribbons.
She also won a Best Opposite Sex plaque with her Junior Dutch Doe. Aug. 15, she participated in the FFA Show where she won 8th in Showmanship, Best in Show, Junior Dutch Doe and other awards.
In other Richmond FFA Chapter news, Aaron Shank will be on stage Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 during the 2013 National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.
Shank was one of approximately 80 members chosen for the National FFA Chorus. The National FFA Chorus will perform several times during 2013 National Convention. Aaron will join other chorus members for rehearal is the first RHS student to achieve this honor.

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Lacey Gordon of Hardin received an honorable mention in the juniors category in Show Me 4-H Wares judging at the Missouri State Fair.
Gordon is a member of the Central 4-H Club of Ray County, and was one of 18 University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth members selected as state fair exhibitors for the program.
The Show Me 4-H Wares sales booth gives 4-H members opportunities to market and sell their original handmade items to fairgoers in the Mizzou Central Building.
While displaying and selling their items, youth were interviewed by “mystery shoppers,” who came by the booth to evaluate their use of 4-H project skills, display, pricing, product knowledge, and customer service.
“While representing themselves and their work to the public and trying to make that sale, youth learn by doing, and that is the 4-H way,” said Steve Henness, state 4-H specialist with the MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development.